Hey there viewers!
And welcome back to another bestie video!
Low carb diets are trending with ketogenic ruling the list.
But before giving in to the trend of zero carbs consider this.
Just like a car needs fuel to go anywhere, carbohydrates are the fuel for the body.
The absence of this main source of energy, will lead to fatigue, low blood pressure,
nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart attack.
Carbs are a crucial part of any diet.
So instead of completely cutting out carbs making a swap to low carb grains will be a
smarter choice.
This will ensure a wholesome balanced diet that you need everyday.
If you are wondering what the best low carb grains are then look no further.
Is wild rice worth the hype?
What about humble old oatmeal?
Is quinoa a good choice?
In today’s video we will be talking about all the low carb grains you need to know.
Barley Believe it or not barley is one of the most
widely eaten grains in America.
This versatile grain with a chewy texture and mild nutty flavour packs some impressive
health benefits.
Not only is barley low on carbs but ranks pretty high in fiber and nutrients.
Snacking is a sneaky way of packing on extra pounds.
If you are looking to achieve your dream weight loss goal, then making the switch to barley
will help you stay full for longer which will cut down on your unhealthy snacking habit.
Adding it to soups, stews, breakfast porridge or salad is always a deliciously healthy idea.
How do you like to cook barley?
Share your recipe ideas in the comments section.
Millet Looking for gluten free options to control
diabetes?
Millet is a wholegrain packed with protein, nutrients and antioxidants which offers a
plethora of health benefits.
The fact that it is low in carbs but impressively rich in other nutrients makes it an excellent
choice for people following a gluten free diet or anyone looking to manage celiac disease.
While the catechins protect the body from harmful oxidative stress, other important
nutrients promote wound healing and manage blood sugar.
Did you know that eating millet regularly helps improve skin elasticity and get rid
of fine lines and wrinkles.
Millet truly is complete protection for the body inside and out.
Wild rice Let’s get this out of the way.
Despite the name, wild rice is not rice at all.
It is only called wild because it cooks like regular white rice but it is actually a combination
of 4 different species of grass.
This low carb grain has made its way up the healthy eating ladder, for its benefits like
heart protection and management of diabetes.
Did you know that cooked wild rice contains around 30% less calories than brown rice and
40% more protein?
Brimming with antioxidants wild rice is the perfect plant based source of protein especially
for vegans, vegetarians and people looking to lose some weight.
Oatmeal Trustworthy oatmeal is one low carb food that
anyone in any part of the world can have.
Oatmeal topped with nut butter and fresh seasonal fruit is a simple, healthy way to start the
day, especially if you are watching your weight.
Just one cup of cooked steel cut oatmeal contains as little as 32 grams of carbs.
Oatmeal has to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet.
It goes without saying it comes with a variety of health benefits like promoting weight loss,
improving skin and lowering cholesterol.
Brown rice When you think about alternatives for high
carb grains, brown rice is the first one that pops in our heads.
Simply put, brown rice is an unrefined, unpolished version of white rice.
The presence of its protective coat ensures that the fiber and other important nutrients
are kept safe and not stripped out while processing.
Although this whole grain did not make the cut for the keto diet, it is still loaded
with nutrients and dietary fiber.
Half a cup of cooked brown rice along with roasted veggies will give you less than 30
carbs but will make you feel full.
Quinoa Quinoa is everywhere.
From salads and curries to energy bars and pudding, quinoa has rightfully earned its
spot as a superfood.
Ever since it was introduced in the US, its popularity has continued to grow, especially
for people looking for plant based sources of protein.
This pseudocereal, although tiny, is dense in nutrients like amino acids that support
muscle growth, fiber that manages blood sugar and iron which supports cell function.
When it comes to carbs one cup of cooked quinoa contains less than 40.
This is why many people have replaced rice with quinoa.
Its nutty taste goes well with salads, lemon chicken, black bean tacos and even breakfast
porridge!
Bulgur Bulgur is an easy to cook, versatile whole
grain that is made using cracked grains of different wheat species.
Mostly used in mediterranean and middle eastern cuisines this fiber rich food offers a huge
list of health benefits.
It supports heart health, controls blood sugar and promotes weight loss by keeping the gut
in good shape.
Adding one cup of cooked bulgur to any of your meals will have less than 35 grams of
carbs but will leave you feeling full.
If the recipe calls for rice just swap it with bulgur for a healthier version.
Couscous A staple in middle eastern and moroccan cuisine,
couscous is a processed grain that is made from semolina flour and durum wheat.
One cup of cooked bulgur contains less than 35 grams of carbs and a huge variety of nutrients
like B vitamins, iron and magnesium among others.
If you’re looking to boost your heart health and improve immunity, then couscous may just
be the thing for you.
Known for its impressive selenium content and zero sugar, it’s commonly used as a
replacement for rice or pasta, best enjoyed with meats, veggies and sauces.
Teff With new low carb foods being introduced literally
everyday across the globe, teff has also gained popularity as a low carb substitute.
Originating in Ethiopia, teff is a tropical grain crop that is naturally gluten free.
Teff is easily ground into flour for making anything that needs flour.
This grain is known for being rich in various nutrients and its dietary fiber is much higher
than any other grain.
This ensures that your heart is healthy, blood pressure is managed and keeps that gut healthy.
Before moving forward, are you getting your everyday requirement of carbs?
Check out these surprising low carb foods you’re not eating.
Now let’s get back to grains that are low in carbs.
Soba noodles Soba is another gluten free nutritious low
carb food.
Soba is japanese for buckwheat and despite this name it is completely unrelated to wheat.
Soba noodles are traditionally made by combining buckwheat flour and water and packs quite
a nutritional punch.
100 grams of soba noodles has less than 25 grams of carbohydrates making it an ideal
swap for regular noodles.
Delicious and filling, soba noodles is a wholesome yet healthy dish.
Soba noodles are something that anyone can enjoy because they taste so delicious.
Pair your choice of low carb grain with these other low carb foods:
Seafood If you love seafood, then we’ve got good
news for you.
Fish is already known for its brain enhancing properties and contains substances that promote
collagen production which make your skin glow.
Almost all types of fish like salmon, trout, shellfish and sardines contain almost zero
carbs.
Broccoli Speaking of a healthy, low carb, nutrient
dense diet, broccoli rules the top spot.
If you hated broccoli as a kid then it’s time you develop a taste for it.
Add it to your salad, green juice, veggie sandwich, omelette and curries for a boost
of taste, vitamins and minerals.
With less than 7% carbs, it can be eaten both raw and steamed, so cook away!
Kale Speaking about the goodness of green vegetables,
kale is not far behind.
This dark green, crinkly leaf vegetable is low in carbs and is popular among health conscious
people.
Loaded with fiber, different types of vitamins and antioxidants, one gram of kale packs about
7 grams of carbs.
Chicken Chicken has to be one of the most popular
meats in the world.
It is a great source of protein and other beneficial nutrients.
Ever felt happy after eating chicken?
This is because chicken has a special amino acid which raises the serotonin levels in
the brain which makes you feel happy!
Did you know that when cooked properly, chicken also contains zero carbs?
Bell peppers The benefits of bell peppers remain under
recognised.
Adding bell pepper to any dish infuses a kick of flavor, vibrant colors and numerous health
benefits.
High in fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C, bell peppers should be a regular part of your
meals.
Every 100 grams of bell pepper has less than 10 grams of carbohydrate and a whole lot of
nutrients.
There is a huge difference between no carb and low carb.
Not eating carbohydrates means depriving your body from this super important nutrient.
Making swaps to lower carb food will make sure that your everyday carb needs are fulfilled.
Remember, carbs are not your worst enemy like fad diets have you believing.
Looking for more low carb food options?
Check out…
20 foods low in carbohydrates you need to eat.
Also check out these 10 healthy alternatives to
white rice.
Watch these 2 videos and learn why carbs are so important.
How do you cut carbs?
Share your views in the comments.